Your Creative Journey Starts Here
Step into the Braintree Campus Media Hub. This year you will explore video production, graphic design, 3D game world building in Unreal Engine, and studio audio podcasting. Track your project briefs, deadlines, and criteria below.
Course Projects Overview
Project 1: The Media Mashup
A multi-disciplinary diagnostic project touching upon Film, Content Creation, and Games Design.
Project 2: Horror Short
Master genre conventions, camera techniques, low-key lighting setups, and horror editing workflows.
Project 3: Environmental Storytelling
Build a 3D concept environment in Unreal Engine across Fantasy, Historic, or Futuristic styles.
Project 4: Podcast Production
Configure multi-mic studio setups, record talk media, and edit audio tracks to broadcast quality.
Project 5: Unit 8 Final Major Project (FMP)
Your headline capstone project! Select your specialist pathway (Film, Games, Audio, or Graphics) to pitch, plan, research, create, and showcase a substantial creative project.
Project 1: The Media Mashup
A multi-disciplinary foundational project split into three blocks: Film & Video, Content Creation, and Games Design.
What You Will Do: Tools & Skills Guide
In this project, you will learn to safely operate DSLR and mirrorless camera packages, set up studio portrait lighting rigs, and use graphic software such as Canva, Adobe Illustrator, and Piskel for pixel art animation. You will also edit video sequences in Adobe Premiere Pro and keyframe animations in Adobe After Effects.
Vocational Setting
You are acting as a junior multi-disciplinary designer at Braintree Creative Agency. Corporate clients require versatile creators who can shoot promotional videos, design brand identity assets, and understand digital game art.
Core Project Tasks & Weekly Breakdown
Block 1: Film & Video (Weeks 1 & 2)
Brief: Create a short, punchy 1.5 to 2-minute cinematic video set to music promoting the Digital Media Hub at Braintree Campus.
- Required Elements: Entrance route from campus gate, classrooms, Mac Room/Studio extension, Café, Library.
- Week 1 (07/09/26): Camera Skills & Techniques. Recreate 3+ distinct camera techniques (pans, tilts, tracking shots). [Targets Unit 1: AC 1.1, Unit 2: AC 1.1]
- Week 2 (14/09/26): Shoot and edit the promotional video, pacing footage to a selected soundtrack in Premiere Pro and exporting MP4. [Targets Unit 1: AC 1.2, Unit 2: AC 1.2]
Block 2: Content Creation & Personal Branding (Weeks 3 & 4)
Brief: Research industry branding practices and develop a personal branding package (Logo, Banner, Colour Scheme).
- Week 3 (21/09/26): Analyze 2 corporate brands, mapping semiotic codes and visual choices to target demographics. [Targets Unit 3: AC 1.1, AC 1.2]
- Week 4 (28/09/26): Conduct studio portrait photoshoot with 3-point lighting. Construct vector logo and banner kit. [Targets Unit 2: AC 1.2, Unit 4: AC 2.1]
Block 3: Games Design (Weeks 5 & 6)
Brief: Explore traditional game art, visual character design, and environmental world-building decisions.
- Week 5 (05/10/26): Deconstruct game universes (Super Mario, Zelda, Halo, Apex) using Archetype Theory. [Targets Unit 3: AC 1.1, Unit 4: AC 1.1]
- Week 6 (12/10/26): Create an original 2D pixel sprite in Piskel and animate a looping walk/idle sequence in After Effects. [Targets Unit 2: AC 1.2, Unit 7: AC 1.1]
Project Wrap-Up & Evaluation (Week 7)
Week 7 (19/10/26): Catch up on outstanding tasks. Write a structured reflective evaluation using Gibbs' Reflective Cycle. Compile portfolio. [Targets Unit 1: AC 1.3, Unit 2: AC 1.3]
Key Concepts & Glossary
Unit Criteria & Diagnostic Matrix (Units 1-7)
| Diagnostic Tier | Research & Context | Practical Skills | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satisfactory (SAT) | Sufficient research of relevant sources; basic demographic profiling. | Competent camera operation, vector creation, and basic sprite animation. | Sufficient evaluation using basic reflective prompts. |
| Good (GOOD) | Thorough research with coherent semiotic analysis of corporate brands. | Capable camera movement, lighting control, and multi-frame animation timing. | Effective evaluation clearly communicated using Gibbs' cycle. |
| Excellent (EXC) | Sustained, accomplished interpretation of visual codes and audience theory. | Accomplished execution of camera techniques, custom vector work, and polished animation. | Perceptive evaluation linking technical choices directly to theory. |
Project 2: Horror Short Film
A targeted production unit focusing on horror genre conventions, low-key lighting setups, tension editing, and screenplay pre-production.
What You Will Do: Tools & Skills Guide
In this project, you will write industry-standard screenplays using formatting software, complete shot lists and risk assessments, and operate camera rigs with low-key and chiaroscuro lighting configurations. In editing, you will master sound design, masking/ghost visual effects, color grading, and tension pacing in Premiere Pro.
Vocational Setting
Working as a production crew for Braintree Cinematic Pictures, an independent studio commissioned to produce a teaser short for an upcoming film festival. You must follow strict BBFC age rating guidelines and set safety rules.
Core Project Tasks & Weekly Breakdown
Week 1 (02/11/26): Genre Conventions & Technical Workshops
Analyze horror tropes and complete a horror film case study. Recreate 5 distinct horror camera and lighting setups (low-key, chiaroscuro, Dutch angle) and test VFX editing (ghost effects, cloning). [Targets Unit 4: AC 1.1, Unit 2: AC 1.1]
Week 2 (09/11/26): Pre-Production Planning
Write an industry-format script using screenplay software. Complete storyboards, shot lists, call sheets, and campus risk assessments before filming sign-off. [Targets Unit 1: AC 1.2, Unit 4: AC 2.1]
Week 3 (16/11/26): Principal Photography (Production Week)
Execute filming in assigned crew roles (Director, Camera, Sound, Floor). Experiment with at least 2 distinct horror lighting or framing methods. Aim to finish filming by Thursday. [Targets Unit 2: AC 1.2, Unit 6: AC 1.1]
Week 4 (23/11/26): Post-Production, Grading & Review
Edit footage, mix non-diegetic sound, apply color grading curves, and write a critical evaluation assessing compliance with BBFC 12A/15 guidelines. [Targets Unit 6: AC 1.2, AC 3.1, AC 3.2]
Key Concepts & Glossary
Project 3: 3D Environmental Storytelling
An interactive game design project exploring 3D environment layout, genre frameworks, greyboxing, and real-time engine workflows in Unreal Engine.
What You Will Do: Tools & Skills Guide
You will use Unreal Engine to navigate 3D space, greybox levels using geometry brushes, place props to convey visual lore, and configure real-time lighting. You will also create 2D blueprint floorplans and record smooth gameplay walkthroughs using OBS Studio.
Vocational Setting
Acting as a junior environment artist at Braintree Interactive Games. Client briefs require 3D level block-outs that tell a narrative without written dialogue across one of three genres: Fantasy, Historic, or Futuristic.
Core Project Tasks & Weekly Breakdown
Week 1 (30/11/26): Environmental Storytelling & Research
Analyze 3D game environments to understand how prop placement, lighting, and sightlines convey lore. Select a genre: Fantasy, Historic, or Futuristic. [Targets Unit 3: AC 1.1, Unit 4: AC 1.1]
Week 2 (07/12/26): Client Brief & Unreal Engine Orientation
Deconstruct the client brief. Master Unreal Engine viewport controls, transform tools (W, E, R), primitive placement, and BSP greyboxing. [Targets Unit 7: AC 1.1]
Week 3 (14/12/26): Blueprint Level Planning (Pre-Winter Break)
Sketch a gridded 2D top-down level map detailing player navigation routes, sightlines, and prop placement. [Targets Unit 1: AC 1.2, Unit 7: AC 1.2]
Week 4 (04/01/27): 3D Concept Production & Building
Construct the greybox environment in Unreal Engine, placing structural blocks, scaling assets, and establishing key genre markers. [Targets Unit 7: AC 1.1, AC 2.1]
Week 5 (11/01/27): Environment Lighting & OBS Recording
Finalize level details and lighting. Use OBS Studio to capture a smooth real-time video walkthrough of your completed environment. [Targets Unit 7: AC 3.1]
Week 6 (18/01/27): Final Evaluation & Portfolio Upload
Complete your reflective evaluation analyzing spatial storytelling choices and upload your video walkthrough to your portfolio. [Targets Unit 7: AC 3.2]
Key Concepts & Glossary
Project 4: Studio Podcast Production
A talk media production unit focusing on multi-camera studio setups, broadcast gain staging, audio equalization, and podcast publishing.
What You Will Do: Tools & Skills Guide
You will configure dynamic cardioid studio microphones, balance mixer gain levels (-12dB to -6dB), and route multi-channel audio into Adobe Audition. You will edit multi-track timelines, apply spectral noise reduction, EQ, and vocal compression, and design 1400x1400px cover art graphics.
Vocational Setting
Producing content for Braintree Broadcasting Network. You are creating a 5-minute promo podcast episode targeting a specific niche audience (e.g. Local News, Gaming, History, or Science).
Core Project Tasks & Weekly Breakdown
Week 1 (25/01/27): Context, Strategy & Studio Hardware Setup
Analyze successful podcasts and talk platforms in the attention economy. Configure a multi-mic recording setup, set gain staging (-12dB to -6dB), and run audio checks. [Targets Unit 3: AC 1.1, Unit 5: AC 1.1]
Week 2 (01/02/27): Pre-Production, Studio Recording & Multi-Track Editing
Write discussion scripts. Record a 5-minute studio podcast panel. Edit multi-track audio in DAW, cut dead air, apply noise reduction, and level volumes. [Targets Unit 5: AC 1.2, AC 3.1]
Week 3 (08/02/27): Distribution, RSS Show Notes & Portfolio Audit
Export master MP3 files, write show notes with alt-text, design square promo cover art (1400x1400px), and complete a diagnostic audit of Units 1-7 before FMP launch. [Targets Unit 5: AC 3.2, Units 1-7 Audit]
Key Concepts & Glossary
Project 5: Unit 8 Final Major Project (FMP)
Your capstone project for the year! Choose your specialist pathway (Film, Games, Audio, or Graphics) to pitch, plan, research, create, and showcase a major independent media artifact.
What You Will Do: Tools & Skills Guide
Demonstrate full autonomy in your chosen software suite (Premiere Pro, Illustrator, Unreal Engine, or Audition). You will write a formal UAL proposal, conduct primary audience surveys and secondary research, build pre-production packs, maintain daily production logs, execute testing focus groups, and author a 1000-word critical evaluation.
Vocational Setting
Acting as an independent freelance media operator pitch-commissioned by Braintree Media Studios. You will present your finished work at the End-of-Year College Media Showcase.
10-Week FMP Production Schedule
Unit 8 Official Grading Matrix (Determines Final Grade)
| Grade | Planning & Production (AO1) | Research (AO2) | Practical Skills (AO3) | Evaluation (AO4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass | Realistic planning and organisation. Satisfactory production against timescale. | Sufficient research of relevant sources; information used to inform ideas. | Competent demonstration of processes and application of skills. | Sufficient evaluation with evidence of ongoing assessment. |
| Merit | Effective planning to a high standard. Efficient production against timescales. | Thorough research of relevant sources; coherent use of information to extend ideas. | Considered and capable demonstration of processes and skills to a high standard. | Effective evaluation clearly communicated to make reasoned decisions. |
| Distinction | Detailed, highly effective planning and organisation to a very high standard. | Thorough and sustained research; accomplished interpretation of info. | Accomplished demonstration of skills to present creative solutions to a very high standard. | Perceptive evaluation demonstrating clarity in thinking and decision making. |
Academic Year Planner 2026/27
A visual timeline mapping out your terms, projects, start dates, final deadlines, and college holiday periods.
Term 1: Autumn (Diagnostic Foundations)
07/09/26 – 18/12/26Term 2: Winter / Spring (Specialist Rotations)
04/01/27 – 26/03/27Term 3: Synoptic Assessment (Final Major Project)
22/02/27 – 02/07/27Industry Knowledge Check
Test your understanding of media terminology, production skills, and technical concepts to prepare for your project evaluations!
UAL Level 2 Master Grade Matrix
Official UAL Awarding Body exemplification grade criteria across all assessment outcomes.
| Assessment Outcome | Fail | Pass | Merit | Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research (AO2) | Insufficient research and investigation. Little or no info used to inform ideas. | Sufficient research and investigation of relevant sources; information used to inform ideas. | Thorough research and investigation of relevant sources; coherent use of information. | Thorough and sustained research. Accomplished interpretation of information. |
| Planning & Production (AO1) | Ineffective or unrealistic planning. Task or tasks incomplete against timescale. | Realistic planning and organisation. Satisfactory production against timescales. | Effective planning, organisation and subject engagement. Efficient production. | Detailed and effective planning, commitment and engagement. Substantial production. |
| Practical Skills & Presentation (AO3) | Limited use of processes or skills demonstrated. Poor presentation solutions. | Competent demonstration of processes, skills and knowledge used to present solutions. | Considered and capable demonstration of processes and application of skills. | Accomplished demonstration of processes, skills and knowledge to present creative solutions. |
| Evaluation & Reflection (AO4) | Inadequate evaluation or insufficient evidence of ongoing assessment. | Sufficient evaluation with evidence of ongoing assessment of ideas to inform progress. | Effective evaluation clearly communicated and applied to make reasoned decisions. | Perceptive evaluation and interpretation, demonstrating clarity in decision making. |